International Excursions

So, I went Saturday to a tailor to get a custom, made to fit suit – I pick the material – and I have to say so far I am impressed. We went and were there for about 20 mins looking at all the different fabrics and patterns then we were extensively measured. We were able to dictate everything from the number of vents on the coat to if we wanted cuffs on the pants. Then we went back yesterday for second fitting with the shells of the coat and pants – so far, looking very good and one can tell by the stitching and seams that it is pretty high quality. The cost you ask? Unbelievable – I got a Super 120 wool suit, which is a pretty fine wool (makes for a good summer suit) and it was 950 RMB, or about $125…yes, that’s right, $125 all-in, which is probably about what I spend on just the tailoring alone of an off-the rack suit back in the states!!! CRAZY!!! My friend Jim got a Super 110 suit, which is a coarser (and more durable) wool with two pairs of pants for 1000 RMB. NUTS!!!! They can also make a 80% cashmere 20% wool overcoat custom fit for about $170…I don’t really have the money, but that might seriously be too good to pass up….
I will see how the final suit turns out, but here is a preview:

So, leaving for Hong Kong tomorrow right after class – super excited. As many of you may know, I have an interest in working in Hong Kong after MBA school. This will be my first in-person view of the place and I have set up four informational interviews at places I would be ecstatic to work at (in both the states or Hong Kong) including some buy side real-estate shops and some top investment banks. It will be a tight schedule – I fly in late evening Thursday night and then staying at the Ramada. Then Friday I have a full schedule going from company to company. After that I will meet up with my friend Andy, who is gracious enough to let me crash at his place Friday night. He will be headed to Kellogg this fall, but he is having us meet up with his other friend from HK that will be joining me at Columbia. Then I have a morning flight to Taiwan on Saturday - unfortunately, my Grandma will be having some pretty major surgery, so I really needed to make this leg of the trip. I have a lot of extended family there and my mom has already flown over there from the states. Originally I was going to be in Hong Kong for the whole weekend, but this popped up and ended up working out well since I have to fly through Hong Kong to get to Taiwan anyways (no direct flights from the mainland). Thanks for Teresa for helping me out on that one. I will be in Taiwan until early Monday morning, at which time I will make the trek back to Beijing. So, a whirlwind tour to be sure, but one absolutely worth taking for a family and career perspective.

Oh yeah - kicked booty on the test Tuesday – studied hard, and then aced the quiz today. And still struggling to finish this darn MBA school pre-math review that I had planned to finish Sunday. Thought it would only take a few hours, but with an Algebra, Pre-calc, calc, and statistic sections, coupled with my very short attention span these days = long way to go despite the fact that it is due August 1^st!

Hope to give y’all a little update or two while I’m out of Beijing, but if not you can be sure I will report back extensively upon my return…